My Supreme Magus System

For the next ten minutes, Alex deployed every strategy he could think of: feints, unpredictable movements, bursts of speed, and even carefully timed counterattacks.

Despite his best efforts, not a single attack managed to connect. Each strike was dodged, deflected, or casually neutralized by Max.

Max stayed purely on the defensive, never launching a direct attack. His counters were swift and calculated, forcing Alex to stay on guard and expend even more energy. The disparity in their skill levels was painfully evident.

Nearby, a few students glanced over at the sparring match. Their expressions ranged from pity to amusement. They had seen this scenario play out countless times before and already knew how it would end.

"Alright, that's enough for now." he said, his voice calm but commanding. His sharp gaze fell on Alex, who stood drenched in sweat, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

His gaze fell on Alex, who stood drenched in sweat, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. "Take a five-minute break, then we'll continue."

After the short break, the spar resumed, though this time Max moderated his pace. He began offering guidance as they fought, pointing out weaknesses in Alex's stance and timing.

However, Max's attention wasn't solely on Alex. He also addressed the other students, using the sparring match as a live demonstration of technique and strategy.

For Alex, it was a grueling ordeal. With Max's divided focus, he had to work twice as hard to decipher the instructions and adapt on the fly. Even so, every moment of the session was a lesson, and he absorbed it like a sponge.

Finally, the class ended, much to Alex's relief. His body felt like it had been put through a grinder, but he also felt a strange sense of accomplishment. He had survived.

As the students began filing out, Max watched Alex for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. 'This kid's growth is unreal', he mused. 'Just last week, he could barely contend with someone ranked in the 60s. Now, he's pushing into the top 20.'

A faint chuckle escaped Max as he turned away. "Was he holding back all this time, or did he just get that much stronger in such a short span? Either way, this is going to be interesting."

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Meanwhile, in one of the discreet corners of the Magic Faculty building, Marcus, Alex's former bully, was kneeling, his fists clenched in frustration.

Before him stood Claude, a tall, composed young man with a chilling aura of authority. Claude wasn't just another Advanced Class student from the Magic Faculty—he was one of the power broker within first years, his influence stemming from both his overwhelming talent and his prestigious noble lineage. 

Marcus owed much of his unchecked behavior to Claude's patronage. It was Claude's silent backing that had shielded him from repercussions and allowed to act so brazenly in the past.

But now, he was here, growling out complaints like a beaten dog, desperate to garner sympathy from his benefactor.

"Claude," Marcus snarled, his voice bitter, "that nobody, Alex, is becoming the talk of the academy! Everywhere I go, it's Alex this, Alex that. He's in the Advanced Class now, and people are already comparing him to the top students. It's ridiculous! If we don't put him in his place soon, he'll—"

A sudden gust of wind whipped through, slamming Marcus into the nearby wall. The impact stole his breath as he collapsed to the ground, gasping in disbelief.

"You're pathetic," Claude said, his tone sharp and dripping with disdain. "Is this all you've got to say? Whining about someone who's clearly surpassed you?"

Marcus stammered, "But... but Claude, I—"

Claude raised a hand, silencing him. "Enough. Your incompetence has been an embarrassment to me for long enough. You've become a liability, Marcus."

Marcus's breath caught as Claude took a deliberate step forward, his lips curling into a sly smirk. "Alex, on the other hand… he's far more interesting."

Claude continued, his voice tinged with amusement, "Rising from Failure Class to the Advanced Class in such a short time and one fell swoop? Demonstrating skill and intelligence that outshine even you? He's worth more than a hundred of you."

The words hit Marcus like a hammer, his face turning pale. "You can't be serious! He's—he's nobody! Just a commoner who got lucky!"

Claude stepped closer, towering over Marcus. "Nobody? That nobody has done more in a few weeks than you've managed in your entire time here. I think it's time for a change. Perhaps recruiting him would serve my ambitions far better than wasting time with dead weight like you."

Marcus's heart sank as the reality of the situation dawned on him. Claude had no use for him anymore. His stomach churning with rage and humiliation as he questioned, "You'd abandon me for him?!"

Claude leaned closer, his cold smile widening. "Abandon you? Oh no, Marcus… I'm simply disposing of trash. Consider this the end of our arrangement."

Without another word, Claude turned on his heel, his cloak billowing behind him as he strode away, leaving Marcus kneeling in the shadows.

For a moment, Marcus sat frozen, his fists clenched tightly as his nails dug into his palms. Trembling with rage and humiliation, he stared at the floor, his mind racing.

Claude had discarded him like yesterday's garbage. And now, Alex—a boy Marcus had once tormented without a second thought—was poised to claim the favor and position that had once been his.

◆　◇　◆　◇　◆　◇　◆　◇　◆

The next day, Alex, whose classes were finally over, decided to visit Sherry in her research lab. It had been a while since they last spoke, and he was looking forward to catching up.

As he made his way through the academy grounds, a figure approached him, handing him an envelope sealed with an elegant crest.

Puzzled, Alex frowned and was about to ask the messenger about the sender, but the person simply replied cryptically, "All the details are in the letter. Read it." Without waiting for a response, the messenger turned and left.

"Huh? What's this about? And who would send me a letter?" Alex muttered, staring at the ornate envelope in his hand.

Aurora's voice echoed in his mind, playful yet curious. "Well, don't just stand there. Open it and find out who it's from."

Breaking the seal, Alex unfolded the finely crafted paper inside. It was an invitation, written in elegant handwriting. The sender's name at the bottom caught his attention: Claude Aurstein. The event was scheduled for a few days from now, at a location in the heart of the city.

"Claude Aurstein?" Alex read aloud, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Who is that? And why would someone like him send me an invitation?"

Aurora floated beside him, her golden eyes narrowing in thought as she crossed her arms. "Hmm, that name does ring a bell… Ah, yes. Aurstein. That's one of the prominent noble families. They're not just any nobles, Alex. The Aursteins are known for their cunning and ruthlessness."

Alex glanced at the invitation again, his unease growing. "But why would someone like him be interested in me? I'm just a first-year. This feels suspicious."

Aurora smirked. "Well, it's not like you're an ordinary student anymore. You've been making waves recently, haven't you? Maybe he's taken an interest in your... talents."

Alex sighed, tucking the letter into his pocket. "I don't know. It feels strange, but I guess there's no harm in seeing what this is about."

Aurora chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure it'll be very interesting. Just make sure you're prepared for anything. Nobles like him rarely do things without an ulterior motive."

As Alex resumed his walk toward Sherry's lab, his mind lingered on the mysterious invitation and what it could mean for him.